Behind each wreath that hangs at the Homeless Garden Project’s retail store, there is a story. When Robert Cochran, 38, arrived in Santa Cruz two years ago, he brought nothing with him but the clothes on his back and the resolution to turn his life around. He had decided to come to Santa Cruz on a whim, tired of his …
Homeless Garden Project Retail Store brings organic homemade products to Santa Cruzans made by people who need the help. At the new traffic circle close to the wharf, retail store opened its doors Friday for the first “Sweets and Treats” party. Over 120 people got a jump on their holiday shopping as they sampled locally-donated wines and project-made organic treats, …
“Beauty saves. Beauty heals. Beauty motivates. Beauty unites. Beauty returns us to ourorigins, and here lies the ultimate act of saving, of healing, of overcoming dualism.” – Matthew Fox One of the qualities of our farm that engages me and sustains my work at HGP is beauty. In this article, I want to celebrate the farm’s beauty and invite you …
I have been a trainee at the Homeless Garden Project’s Natural Bridges Farm for nearlya year, and what a wondrous year it has been. The wisdom, knowledge, compassion and support, the camaraderie and bonding, as well as understanding and patience that have been showered upon me is without measure, appreciated, and surprisingly now welcomed. It was not always so. For …
A homeless man had walked in with a terrible infection throughout his foot- so bad that if left alone, it would doubtlessly require an amputation. Luckily the man was admitted, and within minutes of his arrival the hospital called all of the staff Podiatrists to attempt to find a doctor who would be willing to come in and help treat …
In celebration of Susie’s life. Please join us at Natural Bridges Farm on Friday, June 24 at 2 PM to pay tribute to Susie MacMillen. There will be opportunities to share remembrances, a small reception will follow. Please feel free to bring food to share, writing, photos. If you need more information, please contact Forrest Cook at forrestc@homelessgardenproject.org Susie began …
As 2009 opened, I was issued a challenge – extended by my youngest sister to each of her six siblings – to make at least 500 pb&j sandwiches for the local soup kitchen or outreach center of my choosing. After strong-arming my Solstice partygoers into a couple of hours of focused sandwich making, my wife Christine and I had a …
Roughly seventeen years ago I first began my training experience making wreaths and working at the WOFE gardens on Washington Street and up at Natural Bridges Farm. Then in the year 2000, I worked at the farm primarily digging and planting beds and harvesting for that year. I also had the creative outlet making bouquets for CSA. Now I work …
Ingredients:For turnips:3 tablespoons unsalted butter2 pounds medium turnips (not Japanese), peeled and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges1 1/2 cups water1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice For bread crumbs:2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 garlic clove, minced1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs from a baguette1 tablespoon poppy seeds1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley Directions:Braise turnips:Melt butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, then …
Ingredients:1 cup risotto (can also use barley but good old arborio is what we had)½ -1 cup chopped leek2 tablespoons olive oil½ cup white wine¼ teaspoon fresh thyme and/or sage1 cup canned or precooked beans5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth½ cup parmesan cheese2 tablespoons butter3 cups chopped choy and/or chard Directions:Heat broth in a sauce pan one the stove …
